Kids put Xmas toys to the test

Left to right: Toy testers Kyle Calubquib and Ayla Maihi. Photo / Supplied

Two Kiwi kids given their dream job of testing Christmas toys have made their definitive lists of the best children's gift ideas.

Ayla Maihi, 11, and Kyle Calubquib, 7, were selected out of hundreds of children throughout the country to be official toy testers for retailer the Warehouse.

The Warehouse chief executive said the duo took their to job seriously, and he hoped their picks would help to take the guess work out of Christmas shopping.

"Knowing the right toy to buy at Christmas time can sometimes seem like a daunting task for shoppers not familiar with them. We're thrilled to have Ayla and Kyle on board to offer New Zealanders their unique perspective on what's trending."

Kyle selected the Lego City Volcano Supply Helicopter as his number one Christmas toy, followed by Nerf Modulus Tri Strike and Zuru Bunch o Balloons Launcher.

"It's really hard to choose one favourite toy but I love helicopters and Lego ... and I love playing with it with my friends," he said.

Ayla's top pick this Christmas was the Nerf Rebelle, followed closely by the Zuru Cake Splat game and Shopkins Happy Places, Happy Home.

"I am really enjoying the opportunity to be a toy tester and to test these awesome toys before they hit the shelves ... especially the Nerf Rebelle."

Ayla's top toys for Christmas:

1. Nerf Rebelle Cornersight - $22
2. Zuru cake splat - $12
3. Shopkins happy places happy house - $45

Kyle's top toys for Christmas:

1. Lego City Volcano supply helicopter -$69
2. Nerf Modulus tri strike -$65
3. Zuru Bunch O Balloons Launcher with Balloons -$22